More than 150 new homes to be built on outskirts of historic Southport village

One of the proposed ‘Claydon’ houses for the development. Image: planning documents

Sefton Council has officially approved plans to build 156 new homes in Churchtown, Southport, despite objections from local residents.

The decision comes after the UK government’s national planning body said it was ‘satisfied’ with the council’s recommendations to approve the proposals.

The new development will include a significant number of affordable homes. The current average house price in Churchtown is currently £256,314, according to Zoopla.

Where will they be built?

The new buildings will be constructed on farmland off Bankfield Lane.

The Botanic Gardens and the historic village centre of Churchtown, with its thatched roof cottages and picturesque pubs, will be within easy walking distance.

Churchtown village is located within easy reach of the Bankfield Lane development.

What type of homes will be built?

A mixture of one, two, three, and four-bedroom houses will be built by Warrington-based developers Wainhomes.

Planning documents show that 55 of the new houses will be affordable homes.

Breakdown of building type

1&2 beds - 27 homes
4 bed - 28 homes
3 beds - 46 homes
Affordable housing - 55 homes

One of the proposed ‘Brancaster’ houses for the development. Image: planning documents

What’s been said

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “As with all applications, Sefton Council’s Planning Committee considered all facets of a proposal very carefully, including taking into account all objections raised.

"Initially a decision on the plans was due to be made in November 2021 but the local authority agreed to delay its judgement in the light of objections raised to the proposals.

"Now the National Planning Casework Unit has confirmed it does not need to ‘call in’ the decision for investigation and they have confirmed they are satisfied with Sefton’s analysis and due diligence of the application."

Residents’ objections

Hundreds of residents opposed the plans on the grounds of flooding, drainage, traffic congestion, ecology and concerns over access to the site.

The application was deferred in October and a number of conditions have since been added to the approved planning permission - including protection of water vole in the area.

With the plans rubber stamped, work can now begin on the site.